Adding a CNAME Record

CNAME is used for resolving a domain to another domain — as an alias. CNAME records are often used to point to a host or to point the “www” version of the domain to the naked domain. This record is fairly popular for web development platforms like Wix and Squarespace.

Since CNAME is an alias record, it can be a bit confusing and also be damaging if not used properly. Here are some important things to consider:

• Unlike an A record, CNAME records cannot resolve to an IP address.
• CNAME does not resolve to URLs (e.g., http://example.com/page) because it cannot handle special characters like : and /.
• If you wish to forward a domain to a URL, you should use URL forwarding, not CNAME.
• CNAME records should always have a value in the Host field, and never be naked (bare domain). Leaving the Host field blank could result in the record overwriting other existing DNS records, like MX records — which breaks any email configuration for the domain.

Example CNAME Record

Note: To set up DNS records through your registrar, you need to be using their nameservers so they can manage and host your DNS.

Steps to Add a CNAME Record

1. Log in to your domain registrar account.
2. Navigate to your domains list.
3. Click on the domain name you wish to create a CNAME record for.
4. Click Manage DNS Records.
5. Here you will add the desired CNAME record, provided by your host:
   • Select CNAME in the Type drop-down menu.
   • Enter the subdomain in the Host field (usually www).
   • Enter the domain/value in the Answer field.
   • Enter the desired TTL, or just leave it at 300 (default).
   • Click the Add Record button.

Once the records are created, the domain should be working within 24 hours.